Stefan Schmidinger
____Dr.med. univ., Dipl. Biofeedbacktherapist
I am a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy, dedicated to supporting individuals with great care as they navigate their Journey toward mental health. My approach combines therapeutic empathy with understanding the close connection between body, mind, and soul, grounded in evidence-based practices and a holistic perspective.
I discovered my passion for medicine while working as a paramedic with the Red Cross. Helping people in difficult and vulnerable situations gave me a deep appreciation for human resilience. After earning my doctorate in medicine at the Medical University of Innsbruck in 2008, I initially pursued internal medicine. However, a formative experience at the Psychiatric University Clinic in Innsbruck inspired me to shift my focus to mental health. This decision led me to specialize in psychiatry and psychotherapy, with comprehensive interdisciplinary training, including at the Sanatorium Kilchberg in Zurich.
Professional Journey
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My Philosophy
After completing my specialization in psychiatry and psychotherapy in 2016, I co-founded the New Leaves practice in Zurich in 2017, where we created a space for integrative therapeutic treatments. In 2023, my partner and I co-founded the Holistic Practice in Zurich, specializing in the integration of psychotherapeutic and body-oriented methods. At Holistic Practice, we place great emphasis on the connection between psychological and physical well-being, offering our patients a holistic approach to mental health.
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​​I believe that every individual has an innate capacity for growth and healing. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where patients can explore their emotions, challenges, and goals. My approach is individualized and combines traditional psychotherapy with body-oriented techniques such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Neuro- and Biofeedback. Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness practices to help patients connect with their bodies, process trauma, and build resilience.​
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​I respect the unique cultural, emotional, and psychological context of every person and am committed to empowering my patients to lead a more balanced and self-aware life.
I am deeply inspired by the teachings and work of leading figures in the fields of mindfulness, trauma, and psychotherapy, including Tara Brach, Thomas Hübl, Eckhart Tolle, Gabor Maté, Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk, Arielle Schwartz, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. These thought leaders influence my understanding of healing as a multidimensional process that integrates psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects.
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Lifelong Learning
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.”
– Rumi
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My commitment to quality and continuous development is reflected in the ongoing deepening of my skills and knowledge. My qualifications include:
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Doctorate in Medicine (Dr. med. univ.) – Medical University of Innsbruck, 2008
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Specialization in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy – Completed in 2016
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Postgraduate Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Academy for Behavior Therapy and Method Integration, 2013–2015
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EMDR Therapy Training – IKP (Institute for Body-Centered Psychotherapy), Zurich, 2024–2025
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Diploma in Neuro- and Biofeedback Therapy – Institute for Neurofeedback and Biofeedback, Zurich, 2022
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Ongoing practice and integration of mindfulness techniques
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Continuous exploration and personal experience of indigenous healing practices with Shipibo shamans in Peru, Costa Rica, and Switzerland